My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

the cake box down on a stone table and opened it. Before she could even offer some to

cake is so

a ‘wait’ motion with her hand, she lifted a knife and a paper plate, preparing to cut

pulled some candles out of a box to the side. “Today is Miss

the group, which happened to be a little girl in pigtails, immediately said, “Wish

the ‘Happy Birthday’

Rachel must close her eyes

must blow

her head to indicate to Julian that there was no need

and had the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices would have

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

a wish on your birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,” a very young voice piped up beside

who wasn’t even

gazes of the children, clasped her hands and made a wish. After that,

say thank you!” their parents instructed, standing

the children raced off, dabbing icing on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed

Rachel finally smiled for the first time in days. Thank you,

courteous with me.” Walking her back to her apartment building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t need to worry about

worry about me. I never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it never existed for now. At that point, Rachel’s expression was dull and

the child, he changed the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so make sure

turned and headed

inside her apartment

a loud slam, the door was propped open

face made all the more

on

into the house

been getting along

took two steps

toward her as he pulled off his necktie and threw

were like unmelting icebergs as he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want me to ruin your blissful days, would

her, forcing her back inch

idea what she

caught hold of her arm and pulled, she staggered after him and was dragged